Mask Utilization: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Addis Ababa Dwellers on Usage of Different Masks in Combating COVID 19 Pandemic

Abstract

For the prevention of respiratory infection like the current pandemic COVID 19, face masks were considered as an effective method. To identify the gaps and immediate intervention of those gaps knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment of inhabitant on face mask utilization is very important to control the spread of the infection. Hence, the main aim of this study was to determine the dwellers knowledge, attitude, and practice of proper face mask utilization and associated factors at Kolfe Keranyo Subu City in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Across sectional study was conducted from 01/02/2021 to 10/03/2021 GC. The study covered 160 dwellers living in Kolfe Keranyo Sub City Woreda 08 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Pre-tested self-administered questionnaire were used to collect information from inhabitant after getting consent from the study participants. The data were collected, entered in to Microsoft excel 2010 and analyzed using R. software version 4.0. The association between predictor and outcome variables was measured using a logistic regression model. Statistical significance was declared at p-value<0.05. The study showed that 72 (54%) of the respondents had Excellent knowledge, 136 (85%) had positive attitude and 160 (100%) of them had been practiced cloth face mask. All the 23 (14.4%) of respondents who had practiced N 95 face mask have excellent knowledge on its utilization. From those who use cloth face mask, 24 (15%) had negative attitude towards is use. Practically 52.5% of respondents had good practice on face mask utilization. According to the study, the knowledge level and attitude towards face mask utilization was relatively good, and the level of proper face mask utilization was also good. Consecutive training about a face mask and its proper utilization should be designed and given by the authorities to vulnerable peoples and to all the dwellers.